Sheffield's 6-1 defeat of London Knights brought to an end a dismal week for the Steelers; they lost their previous three matches, culminating in the shameful scenes at Nottingham on Friday when eight players and both coaches were dismissed after fighting which involved virtually every player. An investigation is likely to lead to severe punishment for both teams.

It meant that Sheffield, the runaway leaders all season, still needed three points to take the title when they arrived at the London Arena yesterday, minus three suspended players and coach Mike Blaisdell who, for a second time this season, was forced to take a seat in the stands. The distractions were not enough to deter them, however.

Even though London, severely restricted by injuries and now forced to chase for second place, took the lead through Claude Jutras, Sheffield were able to stamp their authority on the contest because of a series of Knight's errors. Poor Shawn Silver, the former Sheffield goalminder who has had an extended run in the London side because of injury to Trevor Robins, was particularly culpable.

Paul Beraldo took advantage of the London defensive lapses to score twice for a Sheffield team who skated away with the title in the third period, hitting four goals without reply. Blaisdell and captain Dennis Vial, who was also suspended, were quickly on to the ice to join in the celebrations but it was a sombre Sheffield coach who reflected on the Steelers' second trophy of the season.

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"Now's the time for the league to take a close look at the build-up of events which led to Friday's trouble," Blaisdell said. "In particular, they must investigate the role of Nottingham's Barry Nieckar in this and other aggressive matches. It would be very revealing to see how many players have spent a night in hospital through concussion because of him this season. They must not just look at a group of players fighting, but what caused it."

Chris McSorley, the London coach, described his team's surrender as the low point of his career and added: "Just when you think you have the answers, something like this happens. It was inexcusable and there are no hooks in our locker-room to hang excuses on. If you don't turn up for work, you don't get paid. Some of my players didn't turn up for work today. They will be back practising tonight and will then have to watch a video of what has just happened."